Certificate Description

Nutrition is a major determinant of health as well as many common chronic diseases. Understanding the role of food and water, and making appropriate changes in one’s diet can have powerful effects, both positive and negative, on health throughout life, influencing current health and whether or not an individual develops diseases as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The burden of chronic diseases is rapidly increasing worldwide as traditional, largely plant- based diets are quickly being replaced by high-fat, energy-dense diets with a substantial content of animal-based foods. Hunger and malnutrition also remain devastating problems facing the majority of the world’s poor and needy people. The relationship between nutrition and disease is irrefutable. This certificate addresses these issues and more and provides a solid foundation of knowledge and information to support individuals who wish to enhance their own well-being as well as health care professionals who wish to evolve in their profession, create new job opportunities for themselves in the exploding field of nutrition, health promotion, lifestyle coaching, etc.

Courses Included

Food production and politics are intimately connected. Decisions about what foods are produced, how they are produced, how food and animals are treated, as well as the personal connections related to food are complex and challenging. Food subsidies, school lunch programs, human and animal rights, the environmental consequences of food choices, and ultimately the health of all humans and other beings are all influenced by politics, lobbyists, and informed consumers.

Almost 800 million people in the world are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Most of these individuals live in developing countries. However, there are millions more in developed countries who go to bed each night hungry. Children are the most visible victims of malnutrition. Paradoxically, the world produces enough food to feed everyone. So why does hunger exist? There are many causes and perhaps with an understanding of these causes and a commitment to solutions, hunger and malnutrition can be prevented.

Genetically engineered (“GE”) or genetically modified (“GM”) foods are foods with foreign genes (genes from other plants, animals, or substances) inserted into their genetic codes. While the debate continues, most experts agree there is no consensus on the safety of genetically modified foods. Organizations aligned with the chemical/biotechnology industry provide claims of safety while numerous other health care organizations request transparency, clear labeling, and long-term studies on health effects.

“You are what you eat!” How often have most of us heard this phrase? While it may be a common saying, it remains a very true one for many good reasons. Food has the ability to affect our bodies and minds in profound ways. It can influence how we feel, think, sleep, and function every day. By choosing healthy, nutrient-dense, calorie-appropriate, organic foods and drinking adequate amounts of water, we provide ourselves with optimal opportunities to experience positive physical and mental health.

Foodborne diseases affect 10% of the world’s population every year, equivalent to millions of individuals across the globe. These diseases can cause extremely uncomfortable short-term health problems and very serious long-term health consequences, including permanent disabilities and death. Virtually all foodborne diseases are preventable with proper food handling and preparation techniques.

According to the World Health Organization, access to safe water is essential to health and a basic human right. Yet globally, unsafe water causes millions of deaths from diarrhea, malaria, malnutrition, and drowning. The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, but national statistics do not tell individuals about the quality and safety of the water coming out of their own taps. In addition, more and more reports are surfacing about contaminants in the U.S. water supply.
Healthcare professionals play an important role in preventing waterborne illness and in educating the public about potential health risks related to exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants in drinking water.

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems both in the United States and worldwide. Globally, hundreds of millions of people are affected by chronic diseases. The personal, social, and community costs of these diseases range in the billions of dollars every year People with chronic diseases often suffer a slow, debilitating, decline of overall health and well-being. However, many chronic diseases can be prevented via a nutritious diet, healthy lifestyle, and avoidance or reduced exposure to environmental toxins.

Purpose/Goal

The outcome of this certificate program is for the learner to describe the relationship between nutrition, chronic disease, and health promotion.

Certificate Objectives - Upon completion you will be able to do the following:

Discuss the political aspects of food and food production in the United States.

Explain the causes and possible solutions for global hunger and malnutrition.

Describe the potential impact of genetically modified foods on public health.

Describe the connection between moods and food choices.

Explain the causes and treatments for common foodborne illnesses.

Explain common and emerging issues in national and global water safety.

Describe the connection between nutrition, toxins, and chronic diseases.

ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, #1269, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. ASWB Approval Period: 04/22/2018–04/22/2021.

California Board of Registered Nurses - Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 14693 for the number of hours stated.

NAADAC - The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors - ALLEGRA Learning is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #813).

Continuing education (CE) licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, are not well defined, and may change. These CE requirements may vary in terms of the number of hours required to the types of courses that must be taken. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions recommends you contact your licensing board or accrediting organization for the latest continuing education requirements of your state or territory. Compliance with CE requirements is the responsibility of the individual health care provider. Health care providers must understand the CE requirements in their jurisdictions, and be sure they are up-to-date on any rule changes that affect their license. For further information, please see our Accreditation information page.

Accommodations for Disabilities

Every effort will be made to accommodate your special needs. To request accommodations, please contact ALLEGRA Learning Solutions at Contact Us.

Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships

The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.

Non-endorsement of Products

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Off-label Use of Products

None of the authors intend to discuss off-label uses of drugs, mechanical devices, biologics, or diagnostics not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is committed to the development of education programs with the highest quality content. We have a financial interest in the courses we provide. We adhere to strict quality processes in our course creation and delivery. Each course is rigorously researched, peer-reviewed by an external entity, unbiased, and developed to provide current, professionally-relevant, evidence-based materials. We comply with all applicable local, regional, state, and/or national laws and regulations. Integrity, maintaining and exceeding accreditation standards, and the use of ethical, sound business principles are also basic tenets of our philosophy. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Persons depicted are models. The stock photography company retains all model releases.